About this tour
This tour will deepen your understanding of how changing geopolitical dynamics gradually undermine the exceptional Arctic cooperation in place between the eight Arctic states since the mid-1990s, replacing it with intensifying security tension and militarization.
The trip revolves around the Norwegian Arctic region, which borders Russia, Finland, and Sweden. In Tromsø, we will explore how the geographical location of the town has given it a specific strategic importance during the Cold War and today, for Norway, NATO, and the USA. We will then travel to Spitsbergen, where we will explore the peculiar multilateral arrangements governing the Arctic Archipelago that constitute Svalbard and assess the strengths of international treaty-based order. These case studies will contribute to your understanding of how Arctic exceptionalism is withering.
Furthermore, you will get the chance to visit true polar regions and experience life and culture in the Northernmost areas of the Scandinavian peninsula above the polar circle (66 ° latitude).
Learning outcomes
- Gain understanding of the impact of the changing geopolitical dynamics on Arctic cooperation, in particular, how it plays out in the Norwegian Arctic region
- Apply theories and concepts from International Relations, International Law, and Geopolitics first-hand on Arctic case scenarios
- Develop your assessments and independent reflections on the rapidly developing geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region, with particular focus on the NATO–Russian Arctic border regions
- Discuss how to continue international multilateral cooperation on issues of mutual importance for all mankind, e.g., climate change and sustainability, which has particular prominence in the Arctic region but also has a severe impact outside of the region
- Learn about life and culture in a polar region under immense change
Possible activities
- Visit an abandoned submarine base and learn about the historical and current strategic importance of Tromsø due to its geographical location during World War II and the Cold War
- Visit the Arctic Council Headquarters and discuss the critical work it does to secure a sustainable future for the fragile Arctic region
- Meet international Arctic scholars and learn from their research on Arctic geography and Arctic hybrid threats
- Sail the fjords of Spitsbergen, see the Russian town of Barentsburg, and catch and eat your own Arctic cod
- Visit an abandoned Soviet coal mine and learn about the importance of Svalbard for the Soviet Union
- See the stunning views of the deep Norwegian fjords, and hike in the midnight sun surrounding Tromsø/Longyearbyen